La Vega: Carnival 2010

[weyland]

Yesterday I visited La Vega for Carnival.

There were chicas everywhere ...

... in the streets:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8349d3b3b34.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b83482174c65.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8345d616ce9.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b83420fad53e.jpg



... in the viewing stands:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8345d6f10eb.jpg




... at kerbside:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8349d35c4d5.jpg



... selling stuff. I was going to ask this haitiana back to the hotel afterwards for some watersports if she had any stock left over, but I never saw her again:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b83420f80a74.jpg



... or in the parade:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8350ccc7992.jpg



They were even up trees:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834c18eb6a7.jpg



Most of them were happy to be photographed:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b83420ec543b.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8357a990699.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8357aa1ea2d.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8352cfce94c.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834c188c72f.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834026c776f.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834025213a0.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b83420f2902a.jpg


Some were not sure whether they wanted to be photographed:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834821caf3b.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b83482202c14.jpg



Some showed no interest in being photographed. They had places to go and boyfriends to meet:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834820c45f7.jpg



Some were happy to be photographed if their babies got in on the act:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8340267c45f.jpg



It was not only chicas who were keen to pose for the legendary lensman Weyland:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8348214ac8e.jpg



This poor chica couldn't enjoy the fun. She was anxiously wondering if her handsome Prince Charming had made it to the Carnival:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8340254c317.jpg



Here he is! See how happy she is now!

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8340262136a.jpg



These poor guys must have the worst task in the Carnival, crouching over chicas' asses all afternoon. It's a lousy job but someone has to do it:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8340257a16c.jpg

[naptime]

got damn!

[weyland]

As well as lots of chicas, there were lots of monsters (probably more monsters than chicas):

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834c19d9564.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834c19aca96.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8349d417720.jpg



Each band of monsters had security guards to herd them.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8357a964398.jpg



Most bands of monsters were preceded by banners showing the name of group and often who had sponsored them:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834c1a10683.jpg



Most of the monsters were large and frightening:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8349d3df662.jpg



A few of the monsters were small, and one or two even cuddly:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8349d387c1c.jpg



The monsters would often whack the spectators on the ass with their heavy rubber balloons. It doesn't actually hurt, but after two or three hours the buttocks start to feel real sore.

Usually the monsters would home in on the pretty girls to whack their asses. You can't blame them. It is hot and tiring work tramping the streets wearing a heavy costume and with a mask on your face. They are entitled to some perks.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8357a8d1d9b.jpg



Look out, Señorita Blue Shirt! He's behind you and closing fast, and his "minder" is obviously encouraging him to go for your ass!

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8378bde55c5.jpg



Many chicas hid in the crowd for safety:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8352ce31dd1.jpg



This gallant young tiguere has pushed his chica to one side and is taking the hit in her place. At least, I hope that is all he is taking because that pink monster looks gay.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8349d4802d6.jpg




Sometimes the monsters and the pretty girls seemed to get along just fine. Maybe these particular girls enjoy a good ass-whacking?

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8350cd81c40.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8350cc9a6f4.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834c18b8e16.jpg




If there was no pretty girl available the monsters would whack anyone else in range. This lady in the white shirt looks apprehensive, and with good reason:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8352cee607a.jpg



Occasionally the "monster security guards" were chicas. I had been trying to photograph this chica when one of her herd noticed and charged at me. (Maybe he was her novio.) That was frightening, especially as I had noticed that the monsters would "accidentally on purpose" whack guys who had annoyed them in the nuts. Now that does hurt!

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8349d4b0c21.jpg

[weyland]

As well as chicas and monsters, there were drummers:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/uploaded/6568/1266899480.mov



There were guys on stilts, and they were really shifting:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8357a9bb610.jpg



Although I saw them coming they flashed past too quickly even for the advanced technology of my Kodak ($US32 on eBay) to get a decent picture.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8357a9e713f.jpg


There was a giant scorpion:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8352cf76f07.jpg



There was a dancing nun. She danced reggaeton in a religious frenzy. I tried to video her but everytime I pointed the camera she froze, thinking to oblige me.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834c1983291.jpg



In fact, the only music I heard all afternoon was reggaeton. Impromptu groups formed and danced while waiting for events to start. Now reggaeton is obviously ideal for the frenzied atmosphere of carnival, but it is neither traditional nor Dominican in origin, so I wonder what music was played a couple of decades ago before reggaeton reached the island?

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8345d727652.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b83420ef173b.jpg



JimmyDR's love children were there, begging. I am sure that, had they not been mute, they would have been asking "When is daddy coming back to the DR?"

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8345d5dfbc9.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8345d698706.jpg



Jimbo's were there too:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b83420f54771.jpg



Most of the monsters' costumes were detailed and sumptuous, major efforts of dressmaking:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8357a93692c.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8352ce5d132.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834c194c79a.jpg



Some were more cursory:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834c19223dc.jpg



I particularly like these, maybe because they reminded me of Guy Fawkes back in the old country.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8352cf1e90a.jpg



Or because there was a sense of mischievous humour about them:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8352cf4aff0.jpg



There were some evil Popes (or is that a tautology?):

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8352cfa3206.jpg



These guys were clearly inspired by the kings in a pack of playing cards:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8350ccf3c91.jpg



This is how the carnival hats should be worn, jaunty and erect:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8345d66d78f.jpg



But this gentleman's hat could clearly benefit from a dose of Viagra:

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8349d46e5ae.jpg



I flirted a lot with these two. I shall call them "Class" and "Ass".

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834025d3af3.jpg



The street was lined with viewing stands sponsored by local and national companies. Very often those in the stands wore matching t-shirts, so perhaps they were employees and customers of those companies?

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8348222e742.jpg



The MC and DJ worked high up in this temporary gantry. Careful guys, it was erected by Dominicans!

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b8340264f1c1.jpg



This is the main square of La Vega. It was from here that I was told the parade would start. I thought that I was taking all the pics of monsters and other participants as they made their way to this square to assemble in order and then parade round the town along the set route past the spectator stands. I expected to see floats in the parade and perhaps a Carnival Queen. As the afternoon wore on it was clear this was not going to happen and when there was a cloudburst and 90% of the spectators vanished within minutes then it certainly wasn't going to happen. Possibly the parade only happens on the final day of Carnival? If anyone can throw any light on this I would be most grateful as I am strongly considering returning for the "real" parade on that day.

... but see my response to 8orBetter's helpful post:
http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showpost.php?p=719063&postcount=12

So in many ways I was disappointed that I did not see what I had come to see, but I did see plenty, and, anyway, that was the least of my immediate worries as my companion and I tramped back to our hotel in a steady downpour. When we arrived at Hotel Gulag we were drenched and cold, but a taxi-ride to a pizzeria and a good hot meal while we shared our long table with an interesting Dominican family (youngish doctor father, attractive young doctor mother, and their seven pretty teenage sisters, one a real stunner) put me back into a better mood.

The main square was being readied for a free concert by Hector Acosta, Frank Reyes, and Omega. Later that evening the concert was already underway as we walked back to our hotel from the restaurant, but it was starting to rain again so we kept on going.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b834820e8bf8.jpg

[MrHappy]

Great shots, Weyland.

Everybody should do the Carnival in La Vega. ONCE.

One of my few skirmishes with the law was many years ago when I punched a guy that tried to get me in the nuts with one of those balloons.

Folks love the carnival, but you won't find anybody that thinks the balloon hitting is funny.

The only problem with picking up a sweetie there is that they don't want to leave to go do the deed.

[Mr Hillbilly]

Weyland

Nice pics.

I know this about La Vega Carnival this Sunday in the Parque is a big parade at 3pm and a party at 8 pm following.

I know the carnival is in full swing there saturday also.

Sunday night some Sergio Vargas singer is in Santiago near monument where there carnival is ending.

I will be there on thursday don't tagg them all before I get there.

PS You need your own paddle as a deterant!

[DCIronman]

Excellent thread! Thanks a lot for the pics Weyland. I know that acquiring them was very hard and tiring work.;)

[DMV]

Sir Weyland,

Thank you for the report. I like seeing other areas of DR and activities that go on in the country. Nice report with a good amount of chicas thrown in.

I think you look Big Pimpin in your hat. Playaaa

[weyland]

Excellent thread! Thanks a lot for the pics Weyland. I know that acquiring them was very hard and tiring work.;)
No, but cropping them and uploading them here was, with my slow Dominican connection. It took half the night. Still have a few more pics to add and a bit of tweaking to do.

[JuanElGriego]

Most of them were happy to be photographed:

Click to see pic (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/65684b83420ec543b.jpg)



I think i'm in love.

[Mr Hillbilly]

WEYLAND

Sunday is the final day of Carnival in la Vega.Big Parade on Sat and Sunday.Here is website.

http://www.adoredominican.com/component/content/article/39-tourism-news/68-la-vega-carnival.html


the following weekend is the final day for Carnival in Santo Domingo

[weyland]

Sunday is the final day of Carnival in la Vega. Big Parade on Sat and Sunday. Here is website.

http://www.adoredominican.com/component/content/article/39-tourism-news/68-la-vega-carnival.html

The following weekend is the final day for Carnival in Santo Domingo

Many thanks. That contradicts what I was told in La Vega but I have more faith in this website.

It also clears up that what I was watching was called an "outing of the Diablo Cojuelos and characters" rather than a parade. It all makes sense now. Funnily enough a neighbour said to me "It will be good for you to go to the Carnival with a Dominican. You will understand what is going on". I don't think so, somehow. Next time I go anywhere new I will go with a haitiana and a laptop and get all-round satisfaction.

[chicmatic]

next year!

[Mr Hillbilly]

WEYLAND I think normally it goes another week but lent is a week early for what ever that means.

[ErikS]

Weyland seems too obsessed with Monsters (I'm sure it's linked to something in his childhood!).
But there are many other forms to focus on at carnivals in the DR.
Last year I went to one in Santo Domingo with Yayow and Tony Toca.


Here are a few of my personal favorites from that day:
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1187.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1188.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1190.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1204.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1205.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1207.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1210.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1211.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1212.jpg
　
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1234.jpg

[ErikS]

Yayow and Tony's tastes were a little different than mine.
　
Here are Yayow's favoritas:
　
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1182.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1183.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1185.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1274.jpg

[ErikS]

And Tony's........................
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1213.jpg
　
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1224.jpg
　
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1272.jpg

[ErikS]

And it doesn't hurt to make nice with the local Policia!
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1230.jpg
　
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1231.jpg

[ErikS]

And remember to stay hydrated.....very important! :wink:
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1087.jpg
　
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1059.jpg
　
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1275.jpg

[Gladiator]

This looks interesting...

How long does it last? What are the main days?

[SeaWeed]

great job Weyland.........really enjoyed it........like to make dat some year for sur........

[trini44]

great post!
rah rah

[ErikS]

How about some more Car-ni-val pictures?
　
While the traditional time for carnivals in the DR is the month of February (Feb 27th is Dominican Independence Day), These are from the Carnival in Puerto Plata last year held on thefirst weekend of March. The parade route was along the Malecon. It started down at the Long Beach end, and finished at the Fort.
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1485.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1490.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1491.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1487.jpg

[ErikS]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1432.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1447.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1454.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1472.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1473.jpg

[ErikS]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1480.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1499.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1506.jpg

[ErikS]

This first one looks familiar...................... :wink::lol:
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1492.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1502.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1503.jpg

[ErikS]

All in all, a very enjoyable day. Worthwhile to attend if your in the area during the Carnival period.
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1504.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1505.jpg
　
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival-POP/IMGP1507.jpg

[ChicaSeeka]

" Carnaval Vegano " "La Vega"

Last (2) Sunday's Before the rain downpour

7039

7040

7041

7042

[hugrad95a]

How in the hell did I miss this thread. Weyland you are a true man of the DR. I am going next year for sure.

[imrealareyou]

weyland, awesome pics. looks like a ball.

when do they have a carnival in puerto plata or sosua? or any event similar?

[jacknback]

Are all those pics by EricS considered a threadjack?
just kidding great job,great post.

[weyland]

Are all those pics by EricS considered a threadjack?
just kidding great job,great post.
Thank you, jacknback. Yes, it was indeed a deeply discourteous threadjack. The man was clearly trying to upstage me with his cheap ploy of showing young girls in various states of undress in my serious sociological and folkloristic thread.

Don't worry, I know how to get back at him. He has just emailed me asking if he can bring anything in from the US for me next time he visits. Now Dominican Billy always claims Dominicans can "break an anvil" in 24 hours and I have always wanted to test that out in practice. So I will ask ErikS to bring in an anvil in his hand-luggage. That will make the old guy sweat.

[MrHappy]

Thank you, jacknback. Yes, it was indeed a deeply discourteous threadjack. The man was clearly trying to upstage me with his cheap ploy of showing young girls in various states of undress in my serious sociological and folkloristic thread.

Don't worry, I know how to get back at him. He has just emailed me asking if he can bring anything in from the US for me next time he visits. Now Dominican Billy always claims Dominicans can "break an anvil" in 24 hours and I have always wanted to test that out in practice. So I will ask ErikS to bring in an anvil in his hand-luggage. That will make the old guy sweat.

ummm..ahhhh.... they're not all girls, you know......

[Mr Hillbilly]

" Carnaval Vegano " "La Vega"

Last (2) Sunday's Before the rain downpour

7039

7040

7041

7042

I was there too.

[Citynights]

And remember to stay hydrated.....very important! :wink:
　
Click to see pic (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1087.jpg)
　
　
Click to see pic (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1059.jpg)
　
　
Click to see pic (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/ErikS_/Carnival/IMGP1275.jpg)


These three look like trouble...:rolleyes:

[rich2com]

Two great parties it's like being in NYC on New Years Eve. If you cannot find a willing Chica in that crowd then you need lessons... What a good time it must of been, had by all!